The elegant Calla Lily is a popular ornamental plant valued for its unique structure. What looks like a single petal is actually a specialized leaf structure called a spathe, which wraps around a central spike known as the spadix. This striking inflorescence provides beauty throughout the growing season, but maintaining this display requires proper care, including deadheading. Timely removal of spent flowers is a regular maintenance task that keeps the plant looking its best and channels resources toward future growth.
Why Deadheading Calla Lilies is Important
Removing a spent Calla Lily bloom is an important step in energy management for the plant. After flowering, the plant attempts to complete its reproductive cycle by developing a seed pod at the base of the spadix. This seed production consumes significant energy stored in the underground rhizome or corm. By clipping off the fading flower, you prevent the formation of these resource-draining seed pods.
The energy that would have been diverted to reproduction is instead redirected to strengthening the root structure or promoting new blooms. Redirecting this energy helps ensure a healthier plant and a more robust floral display. Deadheading also improves the plant’s aesthetic appeal and overall health. Since Calla Lily spathes gradually wilt, discolor, and roll up, removing this decaying material prevents it from becoming an entry point for pests or fungal diseases.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deadheading
The physical act of deadheading Calla Lilies involves removing the entire flower stalk, not just the faded spathe. Wait until the flower loses its vibrant color, wilts, or turns green, signaling that its purpose is finished. Removing the entire stalk is necessary to prevent the hollow stem from collecting water and potentially rotting the rhizome.
Use clean, sharp pruning shears or a knife sterilized with rubbing alcohol. Trace the flower stalk down to its base, where it emerges from the leaves. Make a single, clean cut as close to the soil line as possible, ensuring no stub of the fleshy stem remains exposed.
Alternatively, you can grasp the spent stalk near the base and pull it with a gentle, firm tug. This technique allows the stalk to snap off at its natural point of detachment. Regardless of the method, the goal is to remove the entire stem cleanly to eliminate the risk of stem rot and encourage a tidy appearance.
Caring for Foliage After Flowering
After deadheading the individual blooms, treat the remaining leaves with care, as they play a crucial role in preparing the plant for its next cycle. The green foliage continues to actively photosynthesize, converting sunlight into sugars that are then stored in the underground corm or rhizome. This stored energy is the fuel source for next year’s flowers and overall plant health.
Therefore, resist the temptation to cut back the leaves immediately after the last flower fades. The foliage must remain intact and green for as long as possible to maximize this energy storage process. Continue to water the plant adequately during this period, though fertilization can typically be stopped once blooming has ceased.
The leaves should only be cut back when they naturally begin to yellow and flop over, which is the plant’s signal that it is entering its dormant phase. Once the foliage has completely browned and died back, you can trim it down to an inch or two above the soil line. Allowing this natural die-back ensures that the maximum amount of energy has been successfully transferred to the storage organ for a successful return the following season.